Managing, Motivating and Retaining Generation X and Y Employees

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Practical Skills to Manage, Motivate and Engage
Generation X and Y

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Q Who are these four generations and how are we
all different?
Q What do I need to know to better work with
each generation?
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Two Desires of Every Generation

• Want to distinguish themselves from previous
  generations.
• Hair styles
• Vocabulary
• Music
• Clothing
• Reject previous leaders create their own
• Want to be admired and emulated by the following
  generations.

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Generational Repetition

• Each generation assumes the following generations
  will want what they have and will share their
  same definition of success.
• Each generation then believes the following
  generations should pay their dues the same way
  to earn that success.
• With a few exceptions, each generation thinks the
  following generation has had it much easier.

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Part I Who are we talking about?
Generational Definitions
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Millennials, AKA

• Baby Boomlets
• Echo Boomers
• Generation Y
• Generation Why?
• September 11 Generation
• Dot-Com Generation

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The US Population Today
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The Four Generations

• Matures (WWll) 1922-1943 52 million
• Baby Boomers 1943-1960 76 million
• Generation X 1960-1980 56 million
• Millennials 1980-2000 80 million

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Definitions of a Generation

• Common Experiences
• Shared Values

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The Matures

• Duty, honor, country
• Dedication, sacrifice
• Conformity, blending, unity We First
• Patience
• Hard, hard times then prosperity
• National pride
• Doing a good job was most important
• Age Seniority

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The Baby Boomers

• Work ethic Worth ethic2
• workaholic competitive
• Success is largely visible trophies,
  plaques, lifestyle elements
• Optimistic
• Consumers
• Defined by their job
• Personal development
• We are the world We are the children

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Generation X

• Came of age when our national institutions came
  under fire.
• This company never promised you anything.
  Layoffs end of lifelong employment
• No common heroes
• Suspicious of Boomers values
• Raised as their parents friends
• Had to learn to fend for themselves
• Very self-reliant
• Cynical and pessimistic

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Millennials

• Optimistic
• Individualistic yet group oriented
• Difficulty focusing on non-stimulating stuff
• Busy
• Like X, raised as their parents friends.
• Acknowledge and admire select authorities
• Think the Matures are cool! Parents, too.
• Ambitious yet appear aimless

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Understand the background of each generation.

• Two Theories
• 1. The oldest, wealthiest, and most visible
  members of a generation define the behavior and
  attitude for those that follow.

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Understand the background of each generation.

• Two Theories
• 2. Identify a generations heroes and youll
  learn their value systems.

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Part II Interaction
Where youll see the differing values.
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Authorities Who are they?

• Matures Based largely on seniority and tenure.
• Boomers Similar values to the Matures. Theyve
  earned it.
• Gen X Authority figures deserve skepticism
  testing.
• Millennial Test but search.

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Time

• Boomers/Matures A currency to be invested into
  their future.
• Gen X/Millennials A currency theyre reluctant
  to give away.

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Time

• Matures Work ethic defined by the punch clock.
• Boomers - Visibility was/is the key.
  Workaholics.
• Gen X - What does it matter when I work, as
  long as I get the job done.
• Millennial It is five oclock I have another
  life to get to. Job gig.

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Work/Life Balance

• Matures Very interested in flexible hours.
• Boomers Was/Is this workaholic lifestyle worth
  it? Are the rewards worth the cost?
• Gen X Balance is very important. Willing to
  sacrifice it occasionally.
• Millennial Lifestyle vs. promotion.

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Two amazing things to say when managing Xers and
Millennials

• I know this work isnt your life and it shouldnt
  be. But while youre here lets agree to some
  things that youll be accountable for that will
  benefit you, me, and our customers.
• 2) Wow. Youve really worked hard today. Why
  dont you take off early today or plan on coming
  in a little late tomorrow.

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Two amazing things to say when managing Boomers
and Matures

• I really appreciate how hard you work and amount
  of time you put in here. Were lucky to have
  you.
• 2) What can we do to make you even more effective
  at your work?

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To manage
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As Employees, the Matures

• Have a history of excellent personal skills,
• A focus on quality,
• and commit to getting the job done.
• Follow the rules.

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To get the most out of them

• Honor their experience by putting them in
  positions where they can exercise it.
• Flexible schedules are becoming more and more
  important.
• Dont make a fuss over them.
• A personal Thank You from the boss goes a long
  way.

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As Employees, the Baby Boomers

• Are proven hard workers
• Function well in teams.
• And compete to win internally and externally.
• May need to work longer than they initially
  expected.

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To get the most out of them

• Recognize their value to the organization.
• Promise long-term employment if possible.
• Celebrate their hard work for everyone to see.

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As Employees, the Gen Xers

• Have no fear of technology and embrace the
  newest.
• Can function well individually.
• Teamwork can be done but doesnt come naturally.
• Will constantly question, Why are we doing it
  this way?

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To get the most out of them

• Give clear, specific directions.
• Be clear on their role within the organization.
• Reward them with time where possible.
• A personal Thank You from the boss goes a long
  way.

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As Employees, the Millennials

• Embrace new technology will change jobs to keep
  up with it.
• Enjoy working w/ the Boomers especially the
  Matures.
• Teamwork true teams or groups of individuals?
• Will constantly ask the question How am I
  doing?

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To get the most out of them

• Create a plan for their future in their
  organization.
• Eliminate hierarchical structures w/in the
  workplace.
• Coddle them like their parents may have done.

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Interview Speak

• Do
• This is what youll learn
• And with those skills you can
• Youll work for / report to

• Dont
• Youll get an additional weeks vacation in seven
  years
• And in five years youll be vested in our profit
  sharing plan

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You
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What Generational Insights Have you Learned Today?
What Steps will you take to Ensure that You
Continue Doing More of What Works?